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IL-17

Meaning

IL-17, or Interleukin-17, is a foundational pro-inflammatory cytokine, a type of signaling protein that plays a crucial role in both protective immunity against extracellular pathogens and the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It is primarily produced by a specialized subset of T helper cells known as Th17 cells, and its presence is a key marker of a robust inflammatory response. Dysregulation of IL-17 signaling is centrally implicated in conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.